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informed
Regular Forum Member
 
USA
110 Posts |
Posted - Oct 26 2009 : 7:25:07 PM
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| Would someone please tell Ian Watson to stop voting for himself on the KnoxPages school board poll. It has to be embarassing the he has to keep logging in and out to give himself votes. |
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seabiscuit
Senior Forum Member
   
USA
1476 Posts |
Posted - Oct 27 2009 : 12:39:45 AM
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quote: Originally posted by seabiscuit
Here are a couple of observations. Thought I would write them down as they caused me to pause and made me think.
1. The same people who put out the sign that said something like, "Keep the Bible, the kid has to go" on St. Rt. 13 have blown up giant size signs supporting Thompson and Kirk. These are the people that have the Joy Wagon and they attended the first series of Freshwater hearings and do support John.
This is a bit bizarre. The giant blown up size signs supporting Thompson and Kirk for school board have conveniently disappeared from this yard. I went by there tonight and "lo and behold" they are gone.
I just find that very interesting. I'm going to have to go by the church and see if their signs are still there.
There wouldn't be any manipulation going on here, would there??????? |
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seabiscuit
Senior Forum Member
   
USA
1476 Posts |
Posted - Oct 27 2009 : 11:09:17 AM
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quote: Originally posted by mountvernon1805
The payment, when it is made, will in effect help fund the family's continued lawsuit against the teacher and the school. (The settlement explicitly states that school is still liable for Mr. Freshwater--I have a copy of the settlement on my website if you are interested.)
Talk about financial responsibility!
Would the students, and tax payers, been better served if the board had only agreed on a payment--if there really was a need to pay the suing family--on the condition that the lawsuit IN ITS ENTIRITY be dropped?
First, wouldn't it have just been better if Mr. Freshwater had acknowledged what he did, apologized for his mistake (using the Tesla coil on a student) and what he believed in (wants to teach Creationism as an option) rather than to skirt the issue, make this appear to be just about the Bible or pretend some of his handouts were not from Answers in Genesis, etc. etc. etc.
Had any of that happened, Mr. Freshwater may have still retained his position as a teacher, he would not have been involved in a lawsuit, etc. etc. etc.
I doubt the settlement will fund the "Doe" family's efforts. Remember, the "Doe" family has not gone national, hasn't appeared on any shows like Mr. Freshwater, has not held a vigil on the Square like Mr. Freshwater and I believe didn't get an attorney until after Mr. Freshwater got his atty.
Now, there's things going on in this campaign that are strange and unsettling. I'm going to venture a bet that since the 'LARGER THAN LIFE" signs at the Joy Wagon house are now gone that others have disappeared as well in order to cover up what the real intent of the Kirk/Thompson ticket is. I don't find it surprising that this happened once it had been blogged about on here.
I hate deception and people that utilize manipulation to get their way. From a personal perspective, I believe that's what's going on here, plain and simple. |
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FTM
Regular Forum Member
 
USA
357 Posts |
Posted - Oct 27 2009 : 11:18:34 AM
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I like many, have not made up our minds on the school board election.
Watson and Hughes are now on the board. Due to neglect, laziness, or stupidity, they did not properly document the firing of Haschak. This cost the taxpayers 155,000 dollars a year, plus benefits (best estimate an additional 40,000 dollar) legal fees 1200 dollars. Settlement called for pay from 1/1/208 to 8/31/2009. Luckly, we pawned him off on Napoleon, about a year ago. Present board paid, I believe, Dennis family 8500 dollars, and their lawyer 133,000 dollars. Pile on another 4 to 500,000 dollars lawyer fees, in Freshwater case. Hughes a lawyer and Watson a banker/businessman knew they didn't enough and proper documentation to fire Freshwater, went ahead anyway. I think CYA on Haschak. Can't vote for either, because of their ineptness.
I liked Barone, until her interview with Adam. When questioned about if Freshwater winning his case, her answer scared me. "being on the board, I would go behind closed doors, and find things about this case". In other words, I don't care what the court says, I'm going to spend more money until I get Freshwater or her ego is fulfilled.
I believe all the bashing and hate is gong elect Kirk and Thompson. Seabiscuit, what is your reason for hating them? Or, is Freshwater and God you hate? Or, all of the above? Is it because their running a smart campaign? You seem to be really upset about the money their spending. Is it your money? Frankly, I am impressed when someone puts up their own money, for something they believe in. If your canidates lose, are you one of those who will never vote for another bond issue or move out of the district?
After this election is over, a miraculous event will happen. The Freshwater case will be settled. If he wins, taxpayers are going to pay back wages, benefits, and lawyer fees. If he loses, he will file a civil case. At that time the new board has to decide; Out of Court Settlement or waste more money on lawyers and still lose. My belief, elect the people who are best suited to resolve this very expensive predicament and move toward the future. Vote for the kids and what is best for the system, not your ego and hate. |
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curious mind
Senior Forum Member
    
19920 Posts |
Posted - Oct 27 2009 : 11:34:19 AM
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What "hate" did sea post? she posted facts, sir
Freshwater disobeyed the directive of his superior - he flaunted his disobedience on the square - he taught his religion in science class despite being admonished several times not to engage in such activities.....he burned a child with a tesla coil -
Do you think this guy gets a "pass" because he's a "christian?"
Also, you refer to Freshwater and god as if they are directly related to each other
that's some scary, scary stuff, dude

"You might have to fight a battle more than once to win it" - Margaret Thatcher
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Edited by - curious mind on Oct 27 2009 11:44:54 AM |
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messalina
Regular Forum Member
  
815 Posts |
Posted - Oct 27 2009 : 12:42:20 PM
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yeah, so far this is what we have learned, other teachers used the coil, other teachers had bibles in their classroom, the student teacher and 95 %of the class were not interviewed in the investigation, yeah that investigation was worth a lot, everyone in the real world knows you better have your t's crossed and your i's dotted when you fire someone, otherwise you end up in court...
If Caesar were still alive, you would be chained to an oar. |
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maremayfuss
New Forum Member
USA
38 Posts |
Posted - Oct 27 2009 : 1:15:57 PM
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The facts continue to be neglected. Thompson and Kirk appear to be breaking the current campaign laws regarding finances and Freshwater abused a kid in his classroom and then gets strong community backing because he had a Bible on his desk. Now, if someone questions this they are accused of hate and godlessness. Is this what Mt Vernon is really about? If so, it is a sick place. If your kid got burnt by a teacher in class, what would you want done? I guess the answer is you would like the community to side with the abuser and any of his so-called "good" friends he can line up to support him. THERE IS NO RIGHT WAY TO DO A WRONG THING. Freshwater did a wrong thing and the people supporting his actions are doing a wrong thing, as well. Supporting abuse is wrong. Raising money to support abuse is wrong. HTM... I love you, man!!! |
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seabiscuit
Senior Forum Member
   
USA
1476 Posts |
Posted - Oct 27 2009 : 1:35:08 PM
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FTM
You have misrepresented many things in your post. It appears to me that you may have mixed fact and fiction. I do not know what happened with Mr. Haschak nor do you as that settlement was closed and unless you've been privey to the details you cannot be sure what you know about that incident.
You also misheard Paula Barone on the issue of Freshwater, she indicated that if she were a board member that she would have add'l information that would be discussed in closed executive sessions (which are regularly held at any School Board or City Council, etc.) and would have to take into account all the information that was provided to her in order to make a decision with regard to Mr. Freshwater. She didn't invent executive sessions!
I don't like what I'm seeing in the campaign from Thompson and Kirk nor will I vote for them. And what does that have to do with God? How did God get in the mix? Are you insinuating that those who don't vote for or think Thompson and Kirk are just keen are against God?
Thompson and Kirk continually state in the ads, flyers and community talks that their business background will be of benefit to the School Board and the financial situation facing the schools. How is it then that they have violated Campaign Contribution laws? How come they don't understand them and are unable to follow those laws? Doesn't that concern you? And, yes, Kirk has been notified by the Board of Elections that he has 10 days to give back the illegal funds and 21 days to file a revised Financial Report. If he can't manage a Finance account for a simple campaign how does he plan to manage a budget as large as our school systems? The Board is also looking into the $750 Mr. Thompson failed to itemize.
I think they are running a deceptive campaign. It's based on inuendo. I want people on the school board that I can trust and that doesn't come from those who say one thing and do another. Thompson clearly stated that the school board was wrong to utilize a consulting firm outside of Mt. Vernon for the Freshwater case. How is it then that Thompson/Kirk are using a consulting firm from Columbus for their campaign. Isn't that a bit of a double standard?
The truth is the truth. These 2 candidates have done things that tell me that they are not ready for the School Board positions that they are running for. I'm not running for that position and yet I'm able to go through the Campaign Contribution laws and figure out what needs to be done and how to do it properly. |
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truthbknown
Regular Forum Member
 
171 Posts |
Posted - Oct 27 2009 : 2:03:18 PM
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FTM- I believe it is the insurance company that paid the family. I also think it was only $5000 to the kid and $115000 to lawyers. |
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seabiscuit
Senior Forum Member
   
USA
1476 Posts |
Posted - Oct 27 2009 : 2:24:36 PM
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truthbknown
I think those are the correct figures. |
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mountvernon1805
Forum Member

USA
50 Posts |
Posted - Oct 27 2009 : 5:48:42 PM
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quote: Originally posted by curious mind
What "hate" did sea post? she posted facts, sir
Freshwater disobeyed the directive of his superior - he flaunted his disobedience on the square - he taught his religion in science class despite being admonished several times not to engage in such activities.....he burned a child with a tesla coil -
Do you think this guy gets a "pass" because he's a "christian?"
Also, you refer to Freshwater and god as if they are directly related to each other
that's some scary, scary stuff, dude

"You might have to fight a battle more than once to win it" - Margaret Thatcher
Curious mind said: "he burned a child with a tesla coil"
The matter with the Tesla coil was officially resolved back in January 2008. The mother of the child told the superintendent that she didn't want Freshwater to be fired. (The allegation of the burn was never collaborated by any source outside of the Dennis family.) Both the principal and assistant principal signed a letter saying the matter was over.
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RBibby
Regular Forum Member
 
USA
146 Posts |
Posted - Oct 27 2009 : 6:07:24 PM
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FACT: John Freshwater admitted to touching students' skin with the tesla coil several times through the years as part of a"science experiment" that he "had done for 20 years".
FACT: The manufacturers instructions for the tesla coil say very explicitly not to ever touch someone's skin with it.
Saying that John never burned a student is arguing semantics. The fact that he says he never burned a student is inconsequential. Maybe he didn't mean to but he never denied doing the experiment that allegedly caused the burn. Why is that so hard to understand? |
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messalina
Regular Forum Member
  
815 Posts |
Posted - Oct 27 2009 : 7:47:27 PM
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I do remember testimony where even the picture of whose arm was marked was put in doubt, something the investigation should have discovered and a trip to the emergency room would have easily proved. I do remember testimony where other science teachers were doing the same thing, again something the investigation should have discovered.
Looking at potential school board members who have actually successfully fired someone when a person did not perform to whatever standards were in play would be a plus for your district.
If Caesar were still alive, you would be chained to an oar. |
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curious mind
Senior Forum Member
    
19920 Posts |
Posted - Oct 27 2009 : 8:07:59 PM
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Messalina, sweetheart........ya want Freshwater teaching your kids that Catholicism is a cult religion? There's plenty of documentation to prove that that's his position regarding the "Pope" and his directives............
You're a hoot 
"You might have to fight a battle more than once to win it" - Margaret Thatcher
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MaxieMinoso
New Forum Member
33 Posts |
Posted - Oct 27 2009 : 8:37:45 PM
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quote: I do remember testimony where even the picture of whose arm was marked was put in doubt
Do you remember that any such doubt was removed when the photo showed a mole and/or birth mark which matched perfectly the arm of the student in question? |
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